MINOR LEAGUES LOOKING TO EXPAND FOR DEVIL RAYS, DIAMONDBACKS

     The application period for cities interested in landing a AA
or AAA baseball team ends next month and 11 ownership groups have
applied in each category, according to Lisa Winston in the
current BASEBALL WEEKLY.  Winston reports that Greensboro and
Durham, NC, have applied for both classifications.  The remaining
AAA candidates: San Juan, PR (2 applications); Birmingham, AL;
Bowie, MD; Canton-Akron, OH; Winston-Salem, NC; Spokane, WA;
Portland, OR; and Sacramento, CA.  The AA candidates:
Harrisburg, PA (3 applications); Springfield, MA; Lehigh Valley,
PA; Atlantic City, NJ; Baton Rouge, LA; Long Island; Corpus
Christi, TX; Mobile, AL; and Montgomery, AL.  Winston reports a
short list of finalists will be named in November and the four
cities picked next summer (BASEBALL WEEKLY, 7/26-8/1 issue).